Watercraft deck cover system

ABSTRACT

A watercraft deck cover system. The system provides a cover member. The cover member has fasteners placed along the perimeter of the cover member. A connector is on the top of the cover member and is designed to have a cord attached to the connector. The cord is secured to a frame at an overhead arm extending from the frame. When the fasteners are secured to a watercraft and connector is elevated by the cord, water is prevented from pooling on the deck of the watercraft.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/607,477 filed on Dec. 19, 2017. The above identified patentapplication is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety toprovide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a watercraft deck cover system.Watercraft must be protected from outdoor elements in order to maintainboth their functionality and their aesthetic value. In order to preventoutdoor elements, such as rain, snow or tidal waters from entering thedeck of a watercraft causing potential structural damage or promotingthe growth of mold or mildew.

Currently available watercraft covers typically supply a cover which isstretched across the deck of the watercraft to prevent dirt and debrisfrom being blown onto the deck. However, these covers create a problemwherein moisture, such as rainwater, may cause pooling upon the cover.When water pools on the cover, water may seep through onto the deck, orthe cover may even rip, releasing a large amount of water into thewatercraft deck.

Thus, there is a need in the known art for an improved watercraft deckcover system that is both effective and easy to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofwatercraft covers now present in the prior art, the present inventionprovides a watercraft deck cover system wherein the same can be utilizedfor providing convenience for the user when covering the deck of awatercraft.

The present system comprises a cover member that is defined by aperimeter therearound. The cover member is configured to cover a topdeck of a watercraft. A plurality of fasteners is disposed along theperimeter of the cover member. The plurality of fasteners is configuredto attach to the watercraft such as to prevent dirt or debris fromentering the watercraft. A connector is centrally disposed on a top sideof the cover member. Furthermore, the system comprises a frame. Theframe provides an overhead arm member, wherein the overhead arm memberis configured to extend over a watercraft.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a covermember defining a plurality of corners, wherein each corner defines atleast one aperture.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cover memberhaving an elastic band disposed around the perimeter thereof, such thatadditional waterproof security is provided to the deck of a watercraft.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide aplurality of elastic cords as the plurality of fasteners, such that theelastic cords can secure to a plurality of watercraft cleats.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the watercraft deckcover system.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thewatercraft deck cover system.

FIG. 3 shows an in use view of an embodiment of the watercraft deckcover system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the XXX. The figures are intended for representativepurposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in anyrespect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of anembodiment of the watercraft deck cover system. The watercraft deckcover system 10 comprises a cover member 11. The cover member 11 isdimensioned to cover a deck of a watercraft 12 and extend over the hullthereby covering structures situated on the deck. The cover member 11 isdefined by a perimeter. In one embodiment, the cover member 11 is madeof a waterproof material, such that the cover member 11 will preventwater from penetrating the cover member 11 and being displaced onto thedeck of the watercraft 12.

A plurality of fasteners 13 are disposed along the perimeter of thecover member 11. The plurality of fasteners 13 are configured to securethe cover member 11 to the watercraft 12, such that the deck of thewatercraft 12, will be protected from water. In the shown embodiment,each fastener of the plurality of fasteners 13 comprises a pair ofmating ties. The mating ties extend from opposing sides of the covermember 11, such that each extends past the perimeter and mates with thecorresponding mating tie while securing a portion of the watercraft tocooperatively secure the cover member 11 thereover.

A connector 14 is disposed on a top side of the cover member 11. Theconnector 14 is configured to receive a cord 15 therethrough. In oneembodiment, the connector 14 is centrally disposed on a top side of thecover member 11, such as to provide more efficient prevention of waterpooling on the cover member when the connector 14 is elevated. Theconnector is securely attached to the cover member 11, such that stressexerted on the connector 14 will not separate the connector 14 from thecover member. In another embodiment, the connector 14 comprises asupport frame therein.

A frame 16 is placed in the proximity of the watercraft 12 such that anoverhead arm 17 is disposed above the watercraft. In one embodiment, theframe 16 is defined by a curvature such that the frame 16 and overheadarm 17 are congruent on the arch of the curvature. In one embodiment,the frame 16 is disposed on a dock 21, wherein the dock 21 is configuredto have the watercraft 12 anchored therein. The overhead arm 17 forms acantilever with the frame 16 and a free end extends over a spaceadjacent to the dock 21, such that the free end of the overhead arm ispositioned over a mooring or otherwise secured.

The cord 15 is disposed along the frame 16 and disposed from theoverhead arm 17. In one embodiment, the cord 15 comprises a hook on anactive end thereof. The hook is configured to receive the connector 14therein, such that the connector 14 can be elevated relative to the deckof the watercraft 12. In another embodiment, an anchor 18 is disposed onan external side of the frame 16, such that a passive end of the cord 15can be tied upon the anchor 18. When the cord 15 is tied upon the anchor18, the position of the active end of the cord 16 is secured in adesired position. The desired height of the suspended cover member 11 isadjusted by altering a position or a length of the cord 15, such thatthe cover member 11 overlays the deck of the watercraft 12. Theplurality of fasteners 13 are individually secured to the watercraft,while the cover member 11 remains suspended thereover. Adjustments tothe position of the cover member 11 are controlled via the cord 15.Additionally, the cord 15 raises the central region of the cover member11, thereby directing fluid to flow off the cover member 11 in the eventof precipitation, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of analternate embodiment of the watercraft deck cover system. In anotherembodiment, the cover member 11 comprises an elastic band 22 disposedaround the perimeter thereof. The elastic band 22 is configured toprovide more tension around the perimeter of the watercraft 12 such asto prevent displaced water from penetrating the perimeter of the covermember 11 and splashing upon the deck of the watercraft 12.

In the shown embodiment, the cover member 11 defines a plurality ofcorners 19, wherein each corner comprises an aperture 20 therethrough.The corners 19 are configured to correspond with the angled portions ofa gunwale of the watercraft 12. In the shown embodiment, the apertures20 are positioned inboard of the perimeter so as to allow for access tocleats of the watercraft 12. The apertures are configured to receiveropes therethrough such that the cover member 11 can be secured to thewatercraft 12.

In yet another embodiment, the plurality of fasteners disposed on theperimeter of the cover member 11 comprises a plurality of elastic cords23. The plurality of elastic cords 23 is configured to secure the covermember 11 to a plurality of cleats of a watercraft 12.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an in use view of an embodimentof the watercraft deck cover system. In use, the cover member 11 isplaced over the deck of the watercraft 12. The plurality of fasteners 13is secured to the watercraft 12. The cord 15 is disposed along the frame16 and disposed from the overhead arm 17, such that the active end ofthe cord 15 is suspended over the watercraft 12.

In the shown embodiment, the frame extends from a dock 21. The activeend of the cord 15 is secured to the connector 14. The passive end ofthe cord 15 is pulled, elevating the connector 14 and the cover member11. The passive end of the cord 15 is secured to the frame 16, such thatthe position of the active end of the cord 15 is preserved thereby.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, thatdepartures may be made within the scope of the invention and thatobvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. Withrespect to the above description then, it is to be realized that theoptimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim: 1) A watercraft deck cover system, comprising: a cover member,defined by a perimeter, adapted to cover a top deck of a watercraft; aplurality of fasteners disposed along the perimeter, each fastenerconfigured to secure to the top deck of the watercraft; a connectordisposed on a top surface of the cover member. 2) The watercraft deckcover system of claim 1, wherein the cover member defines a plurality ofcorners on the perimeter thereof, wherein each corner corresponds to anangled portion of a gunwale of the watercraft. 3) The watercraft deckcover of claim 2, wherein each corner comprises at least one aperture.4) The watercraft deck cover system of claim 1, wherein the cover membercomprises an elastic band around the perimeter. 5) The watercraft deckcover system of claim 4, wherein the elastic band is disposed around anentirety of the perimeter. 6) The watercraft deck cover system of claim1, wherein the plurality of fasteners is a plurality of elastic cordswherein each elastic cord is configured to secure to a plurality ofwatercraft cleats. 7) A watercraft deck cover system, comprising: acover member, defined by a perimeter, adapted to cover a top deck of awatercraft; a plurality of fasteners disposed along the perimeter; aconnector disposed on a top surface of the cover member; an overhead armmember suspended over a mooring by a frame; a cord extending from theoverhead arm member; and the cord configured to secure to the connector.8) The watercraft deck cover system of claim 6, further comprising ananchor disposed on the frame configured to receive a passive end of thecord. 9) The watercraft deck cover system of claim 7, wherein the anchorcomprises a body with a pair of outward extension arms configured toreceive the cord. 10) The watercraft deck cover system of claim 6,wherein the overhead arm member forms a cantilever with the frame, suchthat a free end extends over a space adjacent to a dock. 11) Thewatercraft deck cover system of claim 6, wherein a hook is disposed atan active end of the cord. 12) A method of covering a watercraft deck,comprising: placing a cover member over a top deck of a watercraft;fastening a plurality of fasteners disposed on a perimeter of the covermember to the watercraft; suspending a cord over the watercraft from anoverhead arm of a frame; attaching the cord to a connector wherein theconnector is centrally disposed on a top side of the cover member;tensionably adjusting the cord overhead the watercraft such as to raisea central region of the cover member relative to the perimeter, toprevent liquid from pooling upon the top side of the cover member.